ThinkFast: January 21, 2009
ThinkFast: January 21, 2009
President Obama “instructed military prosecutors late Tuesday to seek a 120-day suspension of legal proceedings involving detainees” at Guantanamo Bay. The motion called for the suspension so that the Obama administration can “review the military commissions process, generally, and the cases currently pending before military commissions, specifically.”
The Dow Jones industrial average lost 4 percent of its value yesterday, falling below 8,000, while Nasdaq and the S&P 500-stock index both plunged more than 5 percent.” The drop came “as fresh evidence mounted that the industry’s problems are larger than previously understood, larger than the response so far mustered by the government and perhaps larger than the resources remaining in its rescue program.”
The housing crisis “is likely to deepen further this year, with no broad recovery until at least 2010, according to a consensus of building-industry economists.” Single-family-housing starts have dropped nearly 75 percent from their peak in 2005.
Yesterday, just hours after Obama was sworn in, the Senate approved seven of his nominees, including Steven Chu as Energy Secretary and Janet Napolitano as Homeland Security Secretary. The nomination of Hillary Clinton for Secretary of State — being held up by Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) — will be voted on today.
As one of his first acts in office, Obama ordered a freeze on new or proposed regulations by the Bush administration at all government agencies and departments. White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel issued a memo declaring that “no proposed or final regulation should be sent to the Office of Federal Register for publication unless and until” it is approved by the new administration.
Israeli troops completed their withdrawal from Gaza early this morning, redeploying to “the perimeter of the war-battered enclave, where more than 1,300 Palestinians died in the Israeli campaign against Hamas.” Thirteen Israelis, including three civilians, also died during the 22-day offensive.
Doctors reported that Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-MA) was “feeling well” after suffering a seizure yesterday and being taken to the hospital. “Medical experts said a seizure in a brain cancer patient was not unusual and ordinarily had no serious consequences,” and a hospital spokeswoman said Kennedy was “awake and answering questions.” He is set to be released this morning.
Obama is “strongly considering” appointing former Sen. George Mitchell (D-ME) as U.S. envoy to the Middle East. In a 2001 report on the Israel-Palestine conflict, Mitchell called for “Israelis to freeze construction of new settlements and stop shooting at unarmed demonstrators, and Palestinians to prevent attacks and punish those who perpetrated them.”
Professor Neal Katyal of Georgetown University, who successfully argued the landmark detainee rights case Hamdan v. Rumsfeld before the Supreme Court, will serve as Obama’s deputy solicitor general, the Legal Times blog reports.
And finally: Yesterday while their parents were out dancing at the inaugural balls, daughters Malia and Sasha had some of their friends over to watch Disney movies and participate in a scavenger hunt, in which they “ran around their new home, learning about this history of the White House.” ABC News reports that at the end of the game, “they opened a door to discover their favorite musical performers: Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas — the pop boy band sensation who first exploded on the Disney Channel and also appeared earlier this week at the Kids’ Inaugural Concert.”
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While there are enormous difficulties confronting the disposition of the cases of Gitmo detainees intelligently, suspending the Military Commissions and reviewing them is a good first step away from the kangaroo court with mulligans and back towards due process.
January 21st, 2009 at 9:03 amAfter Roberts’ Oath Flub, Wallace Wonders If Obama Is Really President…
http://crooksandliars.com/logan-murphy/after-roberts-oath-flub-wallace-wonde
lol, here it comes! watch for falling NUTS!
January 21st, 2009 at 9:06 amIncreasingly, the banks are showing themselves to be as much a part of the problem as part of the solution!
January 21st, 2009 at 9:07 amJohn Cornyn is being a jerk! Hilary Clinton should be confirmed, she will be a great Secretary of State. The Repugs don’t like playing second fiddle, they aren’t used to it.
Thank God, Ted Kennedy is better. We need him right now.
January 21st, 2009 at 9:09 amThere was some speculation that Roberts did the switch just to confound Obama who’d voted against hos confirmation. Both, by the way, Roberts and Obama, were editors of the Harvard Law Review–a very, very elite society!
January 21st, 2009 at 9:09 amlarkohio Says:
John Cornyn is being a jerk! Hilary Clinton should be confirmed, she will be a great Secretary of State. The Repugs don’t like playing second fiddle, they aren’t used to it.
so much for extending an open hand to a clinched fist….
(R)obstructionists need to be wiped out of existence from the political field.
January 21st, 2009 at 9:11 amJust thinking out loud here…
Mitchell was Clinton’s envoy to Northern Ireland. So clearly a very competent and qualified guy when it comes to tackling the world’s bigger problems.
Chimpy, recognizing this, has Mitchell investigate roids in baseball.
Obama, recognizing this, assigns Mitchell to the Middle East.
January 21st, 2009 at 9:18 amObama’s nascent administration has done more in 48 hours than the former President has done in the last 4 years.
Cornyn is proud to be an obstructionist. In fact, that’s about all he’s good for…obstructing justice.
Finally, we need to shed the mystique banks have built around themselves. Have you ever noticed how, when in a bank, you’re expected to act like you’re in church? Think about that. It’s time for the American public to acknowledge banks for what they are…legalized loan sharks, who will extort, extract or change rules in midstream to stick it to the American Consumer whenever they think they can get away with it.
Not one more dollar should be doled out to banks until they show exactly where the money went the first time. Any additional funds should have layers of accountability built into the agreement.
January 21st, 2009 at 9:21 amThat would be “Sen. John Cornyn (R-Sexist)”
Fixt.
January 21st, 2009 at 9:25 am….where more than 1,300 Palestinians died in the Israeli campaign against Hamas.” Thirteen Israelis, including three civilians, also died during the 22-day offensive.
Another example of our skewed MSM news reporting. We get to know that only three Israeli civilians died, but not how many of the 1,300 killed by Israel were civilians. Why is that? Could it be because the majority of Palestinians killed were innocent civilians?
January 21st, 2009 at 9:34 amlarkohio Says:
John Cornyn is being a jerk! Hilary Clinton should be confirmed..
She will easily be confirmed. It was just Cornyn’s way of trying to show the die-hard Republicans that he is relevant. I doubt it did anything more than to piss off his constituents who, if the current polls are accurate, are in a pretty mellow bipartisanship mood. Even many Republicans because you don’t get to favorably numbers like Obama has without having many Republicans approving of the job he is doing.
January 21st, 2009 at 9:38 amRegarding banks and loan-sharking.
There is a solution to banks for most Americans. Join your local credit union. They are cheaper than banks and take very good care of you. I have all my finances in my local credit union (who has foreclosed on one home in 30 years). All my banking is free and they have competitive rates on loans and interest paid through savings and CD’s. My credit union is having no problems financially, so I sleep well at night. And, if I need a loan, no problem for them. I’m actually considering refinancing my mortgage if the 30 year rate gets down to 5% (it’s close now).
January 21st, 2009 at 9:42 amZimzone Says:
…Finally, we need to shed the mystique banks have built around themselves. Have you ever noticed how, when in a bank, you’re expected to act like you’re in church? Think about that. It’s time for the American public to acknowledge banks for what they are…legalized loan sharks, who will extort, extract or change rules in midstream to stick it to the American Consumer whenever they think they can get away with it.
Go credit unions! Been in a credit union all of my adult life. My money is safe because credit unions don’t dabble in the “instruments” that all those failing banks did. The credit union isn’t trying to make a large profit but exists for the benefit of its customers. What a concept, eh?
January 21st, 2009 at 9:43 amBilbo Hussein Baggins Says:
Another example of our skewed MSM news reporting. We get to know that only three Israeli civilians died, but not how many of the 1,300 killed by Israel were civilians. Why is that? Could it be because the majority of Palestinians killed were innocent civilians?
January 21st, 2009 at 9:34 am
_______________
I think that may be due to a lack of reliable statistics, since Israel’s had a complete media blackout since they began the collective punishment campaign, and the UN agencies and NGOs who usually provide these sorts of numbers have been unable to operate. The stat I’ve seen is that over 700 of the Palestinians killed were civilians, and 350 were children.
Of course, they’re all technically civilians since there’s no formal armed forces, but that’s a rather moot point.
January 21st, 2009 at 9:53 amhttp://www.democracynow.org/2009/1/21/headlines
January 21st, 2009 at 9:56 amBilbo Hussein Baggins Says:
Could it be because the majority of Palestinians killed were innocent civilians?
According to many Israelis, not a single Palestinian can be considered innocent since they “allow” Hamas to launch rockets into Israel. Just read the comments on Haaretz.com.
January 21st, 2009 at 10:01 amMitchell as envoy to the ME – excellent choice.
Prof. Neal Katyal in the Solicitor General’s office – good for us! Good for the Constitution!
January 21st, 2009 at 10:01 amGood morning, campers.
I feel like the Rascals tune : “It’s a BEAUTIFUL MORNING to describe Obama’s 1st full day as prez.
or dance to the James Brown song I Got You(I Feel Good)
YES!
January 21st, 2009 at 10:02 amGOOD MORNING, EVERYBODY!
WHEW! I can BREATH now!
It’s a New Day! Welcome to it!
January 21st, 2009 at 10:11 am…Obama ordered a freeze on new or proposed regulations by the Bush administration…
question: why did duby even bother?
what was that about, if obama could put a freeze on it?
January 21st, 2009 at 10:12 amSpeaking of a new day, I even WANT to go to WhiteHouse.gov now–and frequently. Used to be I despised that site and only went there when necessary.
January 21st, 2009 at 10:13 amThe whole outgoing Prez rush to push regulations through at the last minute and the incoming Prez ordering a freeze on said changes is standard operating procedure. I remember it happening at every administration changeover.
January 21st, 2009 at 10:16 amSay it with me “FORMER President Bush!”
After “President Brack Obama”, it’s my new favorite phrase.
Anyone else feel great this morning?
January 21st, 2009 at 10:20 am“they opened a door to discover their favorite musical performers: Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas
now THAT would be cool… can you imagine?!?
so glad it wasn’t milee cyrus (or whatever her name is)
January 21st, 2009 at 10:23 amI’m betting that the White House maid who cleans the bathroom off the Oval Office will be pleasantly surprised to find that this president actually flushes the toilet after himself everytime!
January 21st, 2009 at 10:29 amskarecro Says:
After Roberts’ Oath Flub, Wallace Wonders If Obama Is Really President…
Other than that twitter, I haven’t seen the wingnuts take up this refrain yet.
Of course, all Obama would have to do is repeat it again, anywhere, any time. Hey may have said it five times since yesterday for all we know.
Hypothetically, if someone were to challenge whether Obama was President, that challenge would ultimately have to go through the Roberts court to be upheld. Which would mean recognizing that Roberts made a fatal error jeopardizing the Constitutional transfer of power and America itself. Somehow I doubt that would happen. Also, Roberts immediately referred to Obama as “Mr. President” afterwards, which signals that he already felt the oath was legitimate. It kind of explains why it’s a good reason to have the Chief Justice of the SCOTUS administer the oath to begin with; they would have the final say on whether it was valid.
Unless – (put on your tinfoil hats, people) – Roberts purposely screwed up the oath specifically so that he could later rule that Obama wasn’t really President…
January 21st, 2009 at 10:30 amGood morning people!
January 21st, 2009 at 10:30 amWelcome back to the light, America!
ElBruce Says: Unless – (put on your tinfoil hats, people) – Roberts purposely screwed up the oath specifically so that he could later rule that Obama wasn’t really President…
it actually doesn’t matter if he said the oath at all. at noon he automatically became president. the oath is just ceremonial.
January 21st, 2009 at 10:36 amWelcome to the world where Former President Bush is in Texas (condolences to Texas) and the 44th President of the United States, Barack Hussein Obama is working to bring the country back to the light. Beautiful day, ain’t it?
January 21st, 2009 at 10:43 amRegarding W’s last-minute regulations, one final mean, small spirited gesture from a mean, small spirited man.
Good Morning Uncle Ho and all,..Good choice” it’s a beautiful morning”…I posted that on the Zoo yesterday morning….Woke up with it on my mind…We have been blessed…Watched all the event’s yesterday and checked out the new’s this morning….We have a new energy in our white house this morning and it’s not driven by a dry drunk druggie any more..Wahooo!
Noticed how quickly and with style, grace and integrety they did hit the ground dancing and running…
Time for the troll’s to move on and over to their old site’s….We have a new leader who can speak well and truly care’s …..Blessings all
January 21st, 2009 at 10:44 amdid you see this? very cool:
Photos: Obama inauguration viewed from space
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13580_3-10146314-39.html
January 21st, 2009 at 10:48 amI respect both Senator Kennedy and Senator Byrd, but I think the honorable thing for both of them to do would be to resign. I know that it is difficult to let go and being Senator is not a physically demanding job. But, when you can’t attend a banquet without requiring medical help it raises questions about whether you will be able to attend hearings and to do all the meetings and reading required to make good decisions.
I was disappointed to see how MSNBC covered Kennedy’s collapse yesterday. They didn’t allow us to hear either Obama’s or Biden’s remarks at the lunch so that they could instead repeatedly tell us that there was no actual news about Kennedy or Byrd’s condition and they were looking for updates. Kennedy being removed from the banquet is news, updates can then wait until there is additional information to provide.
January 21st, 2009 at 10:54 amKkaty,
January 21st, 2009 at 10:54 amThanks for that link!
Wow!
The new White House website has this to say about Israel:
Israel
Ensure a Strong U.S.-Israel Partnership: Barack Obama and Joe Biden strongly support the U.S.-Israel relationship, and believe that our first and incontrovertible commitment in the Middle East must be to the security of Israel, America’s strongest ally in the region. They support this closeness, and have stated that the United States will never distance itself from Israel.
Support Israel’s Right to Self Defense: During the July 2006 Lebanon war, Barack Obama stood up strongly for Israel’s right to defend itself from Hezbollah raids and rocket attacks, cosponsoring a Senate resolution against Iran and Syria’s involvement in the war, and insisting that Israel should not be pressured into a ceasefire that did not deal with the threat of Hezbollah missiles. He and Joe Biden believe strongly in Israel’s right to protect its citizens.
Support Foreign Assistance to Israel: Barack Obama and Joe Biden have consistently supported foreign assistance to Israel. They defend and support the annual foreign aid package that involves both military and economic assistance to Israel and have advocated increased foreign aid budgets to ensure that these funding priorities are met. They have called for continuing U.S. cooperation with Israel in the development of missile defense systems.
January 21st, 2009 at 10:55 amThe bush/gop recession marches on.
January 21st, 2009 at 10:57 amThe Jonas Brothers take it to the next level by not just lip syncing, but also pretending to play guitar!
January 21st, 2009 at 10:58 amNoam Chomsky of MIT was interviewed on Gaza:
http://www.fpif.org/fpiftxt/5802
He also spoke at the university on the same topic:
http://web.mit.edu/cis/eventposter_011309_chomsky.html
January 21st, 2009 at 10:59 amJoe Sixpack Says:
I’m betting that the White House maid who cleans the bathroom off the Oval Office will be pleasantly surprised to find that this president actually flushes the toilet after himself every time!
_______________
I wonder if Obama will continue the, uh, “tradition” of hauling a Presidential porta-potty around w/ him as he travels the world. Or perhaps it will turn up on eBay now, right next to Sarah Palin’s jet-for-sale…
January 21st, 2009 at 11:00 amI would rather have Ted Kennedy making decisions from bed than anyone who would take his place.
January 21st, 2009 at 11:05 amFunny, George Mitchell gets a nod on TP while it ignored the selection of Dennis Ross, special adviser for the Middle East and Iran.
January 21st, 2009 at 11:06 am#38, Stateofdivision,
January 21st, 2009 at 11:27 amThanks for the Chomsky talks. I find him one of the most well read and educated men of our time. His always learn much from his insights.
* Should be “I” always learn much from his insights. Arggg ;p
January 21st, 2009 at 11:31 amI was disappointed to see how MSNBC covered Kennedy’s collapse yesterday. They didn’t allow us to hear either Obama’s or Biden’s remarks at the lunch so that they could instead repeatedly tell us that there was no actual news about Kennedy or Byrd’s condition and they were looking for updates. Kennedy being removed from the banquet is news, updates can then wait until there is additional information to provide.
This kind of b.s. is exactly why I watch important events on C-Span. Oh yeah..and I’m happy to say that I can now change my screen name. Thank Heavens!
January 21st, 2009 at 11:42 amG’morning, everyone!
I, for one, am delighted that, in Texas, the village has finally reacquired its idiot.
January 21st, 2009 at 11:48 am“Christians” may be correct after all…there may actually be a “god”!
January 21st, 2009 at 11:50 amimpeachcheneythenbush Says:
I’m happy to say that I can now change my screen name. Thank Heavens!
January 21st, 2009 at 11:42 am
___________
Hopefully “indictcheneythenbush” isn’t taken…
January 21st, 2009 at 11:54 am16 Luis M “According to many Israelis, not a single Palestinian can be considered innocent since they “allow” Hamas to launch rockets into Israel”
Or, Israel is simply applying the Bush doctrine. I remember talking with a friend the night Bush gave his “if you harbor a terrorist, then you are a terrorist” speech. Wondering what would happen if other nations should apply this strange, preemptive doctrine.
About a week later, the Israeli ambassador to the UN eloquently used the Bush doctrine to say that Israel was justified in anything it wanted to do.
One rule of ethics is whether a decision is universalizable. What would happen if others applied it. Bush Doctrine justifies my blowing my neighbor away because they left their lawn sprinkler on.
January 21st, 2009 at 12:34 pmWhile I definitely understand the concerns about Kennedy staying in office, I also hope that he has a chance to vote for a healthcare bill. He’s worked hard for it, he deserves it.
January 21st, 2009 at 12:37 pmkaty Says:
did you see this? very cool:
Photos: Obama inauguration viewed from space
Wow, looks like a mass of ants crawling on anthills.
.
fletc3her Says:
I respect both Senator Kennedy and Senator Byrd, but I think the honorable thing for both of them to do would be to resign. I know that it is difficult to let go and being Senator is not a physically demanding job. But, when you can’t attend a banquet without requiring medical help it raises questions about whether you will be able to attend hearings and to do all the meetings and reading required to make good decisions.
To be fair, they had been up and out in the cold for a long time before that. I sort of would like to agree, but two things hold me back: one, that’s completely up to their home state’s voters, and two: if Jesse Helms got to stick around 20 years past when he was technically embalmed, then I get to keep Kennedy, dammit.
.
stateofthedivision Says:
Noam Chomsky of MIT was interviewed on Gaza:
I need to check out some of his books, because every time I hear him speak, I’m like “that guy is waaaay overrated.” He must write real good.
January 21st, 2009 at 12:37 pmEarlier on the news crawl on one of the teevee stations, there was a report that 3,000 greeted bush on his return at Waco,
January 21st, 2009 at 12:44 pmI didn’t know there was that many prairie dogs in the area.
Good bye, good riddance
President Obama “instructed military prosecutors late Tuesday to seek a 120-day suspension of legal proceedings involving detainees” at Guantanamo Bay.
As one of his first acts in office, Obama ordered a freeze on new or proposed regulations by the Bush administration at all government agencies and departments.
Very impressed by this transition team. Great logistical planning done in a short period of time that enabled them to hit the ground running.
January 21st, 2009 at 1:22 pmAt least four of those Israeli deaths were from “friendly fire” (a really stupid term).
January 21st, 2009 at 6:31 pm